non-scratching impact sockets

[lewis]

I’m looking at getting a pt job at a service station, and would most likely be a tire changer to start. I picked up an IR 231 used for $35, and need to get some sockets for it. Would I be ok using normal impact sockets, or should I get some special sockets with “wheel savers” or some sort of sleeve to protect the rim. I don’t know how much of the clientele have nice enough wheels to worry about this, but I want to be prepared.

If I do need special sockets, which brand should I get? All I’m finding online are sunex and central pneumatic “earthquake”, which is an HF brand.

 

[krusty the clown]

if your carefull the non marring won't be needed. i would think if the boss felt the need he would provide them

 

[Monte]

 

[jerk_chicken]

I saw those on the WP site you gave me. Well priced and tempting!

 

[autoace]

Ooh! I was just drooling over the Hazet master catalog Hazet is my all time favorite, then Cornwell, Snap-on, and now PB Swiss!

 

[autoace]

I have some protector sockets for the real nice cars/wheels, where clearance to the lugs is minimal. Most of the time the protector sockets won't be necessary. The shop will probably have torque sticks for wheel install anyway(the ones you don't put a socket on). Matco and Cornwell have real good impact sockets, but.......The Harbor Freight Earthquakes will be aok, for the money and durability. You can always lighten your wallet on truck tools later.

 

[rsanter]

how about getting some good sockets and then installing a sleve or shrink tubing on them

bob

 

[jerk_chicken]

There was some company that made non-marring inserts one could place in any socket. Don't know where those went.

 

[mkdive]

how about getting some good sockets and then installing a sleve or shrink tubing on them

bob

good idea

 

[Leonard 95]

The grey pneumatics I am using are working great, the 19mm and 21mm are very nice and well priced.

 

[48548]

i have a set off genius sockets with exta inserts for the inside to not scratch the top of the lug nut and sleeves on the outside for the wheel, take a look at them at www.torquestick.com or griots sells a nice set for cheap also.

http://www.torquestick.com/cart/customer/product.php?productid=29

 

[fourfeathers]

I have these for sale if interested. $20 not impact though! http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25373

 

[Bo Heck]

i think toptul has a set with torque sticks

 

[zuspiel]

Toptul also has a set w/o the sticks. 17, 19, and 21 for something like $23. The 13/16 is separate for $7. I put them on my wish list that I sent to Mike...

 

[kartracer55]

Do yourself a favor and buy a metric flip socket. SK is decent, I have one, but I prefer the truck brands. The reason being is that on the truck brands, the OD is smaller on the 19mm side than the 21mm side, where as on my SK and craftsmans, its the same diameter. Definitely works just fine though. I like flip sockets because they take the beating, not my regular impacts.

Don't sweat the torque sticks either, unless our boss requests you use them. Instead, figure out what setting on your gun gives you around 90ftlbs while on your shops line pressure.

Oh, and youll find that most customers with high end wheels usually have a special lug socket that goes with them anyway, at least if they really care.

 

[Flash21]

I saw those on the WP site you gave me. Well priced and tempting!

Can you provide a link?

 

[Gregster]

electrical tape on the socket works wonders.

 

[Elroy]

Don't sweat the torque sticks either, unless our boss requests you use them. Instead, figure out what setting on your gun gives you around 90ftlbs while on your shops line pressure.

Oh, and youll find that most customers with high end wheels usually have a special lug socket that goes with them anyway, at least if they really care.

And if the customer is Elroy he'll DEMAND that you use a torque WRENCH and not some damn stick.

 

[senlow]

I'm with Elroy on this one. Wheels are to be installed with a torque wrench. As far as I'm concerned, there is NO acceptable substitute.

 

[Danglerb]

I have the HF set, I think Hazet makes them, works fine and about $25 for a set of 6.

 

[kartracer55]

I'm with Elroy on this one. Wheels are to be installed with a torque wrench. As far as I'm concerned, there is NO acceptable substitute.

So let me ask. Are you willing to pay for the extra time it hogs up a bay? Because I can assure you that the majority of dealerships will not be using a torque wrench, nor will the majority of repair shops unless you SPECIFICALLY ask and they agree to it

As a side note, I use a torque wrench on MY wheels on my own time. Thats besides the point though...

 

[zuspiel]

I have the HF set, I think Hazet makes them, works fine and about $25 for a set of 6.

Ok, I must be extremely dense this morning, but to me this reads like HF is selling Hazet sockets????

 

[rcleaver]

Ok, I must be extremely dense this morning, but to me this reads like HF is selling Hazet sockets????

No, it's the HF brand.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40035

 

[zuspiel]

Ok, my sanity is saved
They do look different than the Hazet ones (as far as one can tell...)
Thanks, rcleaver.

 

[T56 Impala]

I have the 3 pc HF aluminum wheel sockets with the protective sleeve. They work just fine for ME. I have used them with my impact and torque wrench without any problems. Even on severely over tightened lugs. I think they were like $7.00 when I bought them.

Being aluminum I figured they would break, but they just keep on working, so I keep on using them! (I think the are aluminum? They are not black that's for sure. They are anodized gold, red and blue.)

 

[Danglerb]

Ok, I must be extremely dense this morning, but to me this reads like HF is selling Hazet sockets????

Just my sense of humor on extra dry mode.